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Grounds and Facilities

WCU's Millennial Initiative includes seven sites, each an integral part of Western Carolina's main campus footprint in Cullowhee, NC.

The first site to receive Millennial Initiative status at WCU was a 344-acres area on WCU's West Campus It is situated on the West side of U.S. 107 across from central campus along Little Savannah road just below the Jackson County Airport. Along the west rim of the property is a 6-mile hiking and mountain biking loop trail available to students, staff, partners and the larger community. The campus includes a section of Long Branch creek, where WCU environmental health and geosciences students conduct water and wildlife research. It is also home to Western Carolina's Forensic Osteology Research Station, an outdoor human decomposition facility used for the study of forensic science. The site is anchored by WCU's Health and Human Sciences Building, and plans are underway to add an adjacent Multitenant Medical Building.

In 2018, WCU received approval to add six more sites to its Millennial Initiative. This includes the area of Noble Hall, which is home to several private restaurants and businesses serving the campus community. Additional details about the six new Millennial Initiative sites will be announced soon.

Health and Human Sciences Building

Health and Human Sciences Building on Milennial Campus

 

Class of students learning at the therapy pool

Hydrotherapy rehabilitation pool

The Health and Human Sciences Building, which opened in the fall of 2012, was the first to be located on the Millennial Initiative site. The 160,000 square foot LEED-certified facility contains approximately 100,000 square feet of classroom, laboratory, and clinic space. The 21 specialized labs include:

  • A secure insectary,
  • A hydrotherapy rehabilitation pool,
  • A quality foods lab, and
  • Numerous simulation labs including a “SimBaby” and EMC Lab.

The facility houses eight large classrooms that seat 50 to 100 – many of which have flexible seating options. There is also a large Community auditorium with seats for up to 300 depending on the configuration.

The building also features extensive videoconferencing and telemedicine capabilities and a video production studio. Faculty members are able to view live video feeds of interaction between patients and students as well as host off-site guest speakers.

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Private Clinic Space

The ground floor of the Health and Human Sciences building includes approximately 5,000 square feet of space available for privately owned clinics that serve patients in the region. These clinics are integrated into the mission of the university and collaborate with WCU faculty and students.

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